The intent of the Early Career Development (ECD) track is to develop the future scientific workforce and prepare early career PIs for a successful scientific career. An ECD LDRD grant is intended to be a first opportunity for an early career scientist to develop a PI experience at a national lab and prepare for a DOE Early Career Grant application. Considering the future scientific workforce of Berkeley Lab, it is a goal to develop a diverse group of early career scientists. Applications from underrepresented and other employee groups are very much encouraged.
For those wishing to submit under the Early Career track, eligibility is open to those who received their PhD no earlier than January 1, 2016. Current postdocs and project scientists are encouraged to submit proposals, and if successfully funded, must have a scientific job title (career or career track, research scientist or staff scientist) before the project starts. The supervisor, Deputy, and Division Director will work with the successful Early Career PI to develop a mentoring plan.
A maximum funding amount of $550,000 total project support per early career development PI will be allocated for the entirety of the project. Applicants may choose either two or three-year options as the length of the project. The values for these options equate to $183,000 per year over three years or $275,000 per year over two.